The ministry is asking those planning to travel to the South Peace Region along Highway 97 to be aware of closures along this route due to flooding in the area and to check DriveBC.ca and TranBC.ca websites for up to date information.

Recent flooding in the Peace Region is affecting provincial highways and has resulted in the closure of Highway 97 between McKenzie Junction and Chetwynd and at Rolla Road between Highway 49 and Highway 2. The highway along this route has been washed out and crews are on site assessing the situation. They are also working with local governments and emergency personel to monitor the conditions of provincial roads in the area.

Roads affected will be open to traffic as soon as highway maintenance and engineering personel can conduct repairs and confirm they are safe for the travelling public. As always, ministry staff will work as quickly as possible to repair the damage from the floods however, once the flood waters subside and repairs begin it may take several days to open these sections.

For those planning to travel from the Peace Region to southern British Columbia are encouraged to travel through Grande Prairie in Alberta. In the meantime, details and updates about highways affected by the flooding can be found at TranBC and DriveBC.ca websites

This is a reminder to never underestimate the force and power of flood water and to stay clear. Flooding is a natural disaster and rushing water is dangerous and unpredictable. Children, pets and adults should stay away from waterways during times of increased water elevations and rapid flows.  Do not drive into flooded areas or park along streams, rivers and creeks.

For more information about conditions along provincial roads in the Peace Region, go to: DriveBC.ca: http://www.drivebc.ca/

TranBC.ca: http://tranbc.ca/

For photos of TranBC.ca: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tranbc/albums/72157669849378975